handmade

I love rock…hard rock and metal…so skulls are kind of my thing. And I also love how the trend is to take skulls and put cutesy bows and bling on them to make them more femme fatale. Ooo-la-la!

I blinged mine up with the yarn, but these would be adorable in any sort of color. And, since spring is just around the corner, the stitch is perfect for the soon-to-be warming weather! I will offer these at a discount of 25% until March 1, 2014 to my blog readers. Just contact me for a coupon code!

This gorgeous model is my daughter. I am so lucky to have two beautiful children/slave/models! Haha, just kidding, kiddos!

EASY Quiche Recipe, Tex-Mex style, quick and simple. Anyone can make this, and only takes a few minutes to prepare, and a super-easy crust, because it’s premade! Yup, yup, super simple!

I started a new tradition for my family on New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve has a very sentimental place in my heart, and I love to be surrounded by my loved ones on this occasion, celebrating midnight and toasting with champagne for the New Year. New Year’s Day is just a lazy day for us all, so I decided quiche is a perfect solution! I can make it, serve it up, and everyone can go for seconds, thirds, then leftovers.

We invited my parents over for brunch, and the day was so totally awesome! We all had plenty to eat, and it was a nice, affordable plate to serve to a big crowd.

I made several kinds, but I thought I would share the Tex-Mex creation that I threw together on a whim. It was very good, and it’s a cool variation from the more popular versions. And, here we go…

Fresh Pico de Gallo (I bought this premade at the grocery store) or Rotel, drained

1 small can mushrooms (this is Goddess Tex-Mex, and we do mushrooms in THIS house!)

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cumin

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Precook your meat. No need to cook your pico or canned mushrooms!

Mix your eggs, cream, milk, and spices in a bowl, blending well.

Cover the bottom of your pie crust with slices of your cheese. Next, layer your pico and mushrooms. Finally, layer your meat mixture over the vegetables and top generously with the grated cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking, and threatening your loved ones NOT to continue opening the oven every 10 minutes hoping it is ready early.

I use the general “stock” for this quiche to make all of my quiche; I just change up what cheese, spices, and meat I may choose, so feel free to play around with this and see what you come up with! Just remember sliced cheese on the bottom, then your veggies, then your meat, then grated cheese.

And here it is, delivered during the Christmas Crunch! I have literally thrown together the pictures, but I did take time to be sure the pattern was correct!

I used Lion Brand Homespun as my contrasting color in the black scarf, and you can see how a somewhat “textured” yarn can change up the look of the scarf. I just love it when a project comes together like that! A little trim can sometimes go a LONG way!

Sides “A” and “B” side-by-side comparison

And here are my “thrown together” pictures for your amusement!

Before I throw this pattern at you, I’d like to wish you a wonderful Holiday Season, whatever it may be that you celebrate, and hope that you and yours will have a great upcoming year! Now, let me post this pattern and RUN! I’ve got tons to do before Christmas!

The .pdf for this pattern is available as a free download on my Ravelry pattern page here:

Stitches Used: Double crochet, single crochet, and crab stitch (a.k.a. reverse single crochet). Crab stitch directions are included in the pattern. Crab stitch is optional for the border. Image shown does not have optional trim.

Gauge: 2 rows of 4 dc = 1”x1”Materials:

Hook Size: I (5.50 MM)

Yarn Weight: Worsted, 10 ply (Brand I used is Red Heart Super Saver)

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Scissors

Terms:

ch: chain

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

sl st: slip stitch

BLO: Back loop only

MC: Main color

CC: Contrasting color

Special Stitch: Crab Stitch (A.K.A. Reverse Single Crochet)

Insert hook from front to back, into the 1st stitch to the right.

Yarn over (yo) and draw through the stitch. You will have two loops on your hook, just as you would with a normal sc.

Yarn over and draw through both loops on your hook.

Repeat these steps for each stitch in the row.

Special Notes: A general rule of thumb, if you are unsure of how long to make your scarf, is to make the scarf as long as the wearer is tall. The scarf shown in the picture above is made to that ratio.

If you are a very new beginner, remember that the beginning chain for each row counts as your first stitch. If you ch-1, it will count as your 1st sc, so you will skip that very first stitch, then make your sc stitch in that 2nd stitch in the row. You will now have two stitches on that row so far. The ch-1 is the first stitch; the sc in the next stitch is your 2nd stitch. Starting off in this manner will assure that your rows stay straight. The same applies for dc rows. You will ch-3 and skip that very first stitch.

Scarf Pattern:

With MC, make a foundation chain (ch) for however long you wish your scarf to be. Stitch count does not matter for this pattern.

Row 1: After achieving your length, ch an extra 3 (will count as 1st dc), then dc into 4th chain from hook. *DC into next ch. Repeat from * to last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1. (Counts as first sc) *sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3. (Counts as first dc) * dc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to end of row. Change to CC. Turn.

Row 4: ch 1. (Counts as first sc) *sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to end of row. Change back to MC. Turn.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 4.

Row 7: Ch 3. *dc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 8: Ch 1. *sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 9: Repeat Row 3.

Row 10: Repeat Row 4.

Row 11: Repeat Row 3.

Row 12: Repeat Row 4.

Row 13: Repeat Row 7.

Row 14: Repeat Row 8.

Row 15: Repeat row 3.

Row 16: Ch 1. (Counts as first sc) * sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to last st. 3 sc into last st. (1st corner of trim made.)

Row 17: Now we will work on the second side of the scarf’s trim. Row 16 above started the first row of the trim. Keeping the same side of the scarf facing you as in row 16, turn the scarf vertically, with the short edge facing up. * sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to last st. 3 sc into last st. (3rd corner of trim made.)

Row 18: Keeping the same side of the scarf facing you, turn the scarf horizontally again, with the long side facing up. *sc into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to last st. 3 sc into last st. (4th corner of trim made.) Join with sl st into beginning sc of row 16. Finish off and weave in ends.

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Optional Trim: Do not finish off at the end of Row 18. Chain 1. Crab stitch in each stitch of border all the way around. Finish off and weave in ends.

If you would like to have the matching reversible beanie pattern for this hat, you can get the free pattern from my blog, or download the .pdf file from my ravelry pattern page. There is no need to be a member on ravelry to download! This pattern also includes a matching reversible cowl. The links for the blog post and .pdf are posted below. Here is a picture to reference.

Oh goodness, where on earth did I go? Life got busy for me! Whooosh! And didn’t slow down for the holidays, yet I managed to come up with a new pattern while crocheting up some gifts!

All crocheters feel it at this time I suppose…sore, stiff fingers, aching arms, a heavy head from looking down so long, ugh! But it is worth it, is it not, for the ones you love?

And behold! Some of the manly gifts I made for the holidays as eye candy, before the pièce de ré·sistance!

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That dashing macho manliness of a model would be my son, posing in all his coveted football player glory! Not sure why, but he refused to model the “girly” stuff. Oh, well, you want to see my pattern, anyway…I’ll post more Fresh-off-the-hooks later!

I would like to thank my wonderful pattern testers! Especially since this was my first pattern, they were taking on more than usual, and I am so very grateful to them. Please check them out on Ravelry. I will include links to their profiles of awesomeness below.

If you’d like to download and print a .pdf file of this pattern, you can do so on my pattern page at Ravelry. Just click below!

Terms:ch: chainsc: single crochetdc: double crochet(RS): Right side of pattern.(WS): Wrong side of pattern.MC: Main Color

Special Stitch:Crab Stitch (A.K.A. Reverse Single Crochet)

1. Insert hook from front to back, into the 1st stitch to the right.

2. Yarn over (yo) and draw through the stitch. You will have two loops on your hook, just as you would with a normal sc.

3. Yarn over and draw through both loops on your hook.

4. Repeat these steps for each stitch in the row.

Hat Pattern

Do NOT count your ch 2 as a stitch in this pattern. I prefer to do a “step up” before the 1st initial stitch in order to fill the gap that is created with many hats with patterns that call for a chain and joining at the top of the chain in each round.

You will land on an increase at the end of each increase round in this hat pattern.

I prefer using a magic ring; this keeps the top of the hat closed without gaps at the top. However, if you do not like to use magic rings, then chain 3 and join with sl st into 3rd ch from hook.

Round 3: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (30 st.)

Round 4: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, dc into next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc’s. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (40 st.)

Round 5: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, dc into ea. of the next 2 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc’s. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (50 st.)

Round 6: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, dc into ea. of the next 3 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc’s. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (60 st.)

Round 7: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, dc into ea. of the next 4 dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc’s. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (70 st.) Note: Increase rounds stop here. Each following round will have a total of 70 stitches.

Round 8: (RS) Ch 2. DC into same st as join, *dc into next dc. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. (70 st.)

Round 12: (RS) With CC, ch 1. SC into same st as join, *sc into next dc. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st sc. Change back to MC. (70 st.)

Round 13: (WS) TURN WORK. FLIP HAT WRONG SIDE OUT, You are now working with the WS. With MC, ch 2. DC into same st as join, *dc into next sc in BLO. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. Change back to CC. (70 st.) flip hat back to normal, turn.

Round 14: (RS) TURN WORK. FLIP HAT RIGHT SIDE OUT, You are now working with the RS again. With CC, ch 1. SC into same st as join, *sc into next dc. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st sc. Change back to MC. (70 st.)

Round 15: (WS) TURN WORK. FLIP HAT WRONG SIDE OUT. With MC, ch 2. DC into same st as join, *dc into next dc in BLO. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st dc. Change back to CC. (70 st.)

Round 16: (RS) FLIP HAT RIGHT SIDE OUT. DO NOT TURN. With CC, ch 1. SC into same st as join, *sc into next dc. Repeat from * to last dc, join with sl st into 1st sc. Finish off and weave in ends, or follow trim step below for trim option.

Trim:

After joining with sl st at the end of round 16, keep CC and ch 1. Crab stitch into ea. sc around to end; join with sl st into 1st sc. Finish off and weave in ends.

Cowl Pattern:

Be sure to make your foundation chain a little looser than normal. This will make it easier for you to join your CC for the trim along the bottom in Round 14.

With MC: Ch 80 LOOSELY, join.

Round 1: (RS) With MC, ch 3. *DC into next st. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st at top of ch -3 taking care not to twist.

Round 2: (RS) Change to CC. Ch 1. *SC into next st. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st at top of ch-1.

Round 3: (WS) TURN WORK. FLIP COWL WRONG SIDE OUT. You are now working with the wrong side facing. Change to MC, Ch 3. *DC into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st at top of ch-3.

Round 4: (RS) TURN WORK. FLIP COWL RIGHT SIDE OUT. You are now working with the right side facing. Change to CC, ch 1. *sc into next st. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st at top of ch -1.

Round 5: (WS) TURN WORK. FLIP COWL WRONG SIDE OUT. Change to MC, ch 3. *DC into next st in BLO. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st at top of ch- 3.

Round 6: (RS) TURN WORK. FLIP COWL RIGHT SIDE OUT. Change to MC. Ch 3. *DC into next st. Join with sl st into top of ch-3.

Round 7: (RS) Ch 3. *Dc into next st. Repeat from * to last st. Join with sl st into top of ch-3.

Round 8: (RS) Repeat round 7. Please note: for a bit of a shorter cowl, you may eliminate this row.

Round 9: (RS) Repeat Round 2.

Round 10: (WS) Repeat Round 3.

Round 11: (RS) Repeat Round 4.

Round 12: (WS) Repeat Round 5.

Round 13: (RS) CC FLIP COWL RIGHT SIDE OUT AGAIN. DO NOT TURN. *Sc into next st. Repeat from * to last st, join into 1st sc. Fasten off, or if you choose to use the trim, keep CC and ch 1, then crab stitch in each stitch across, join with sl st into ch-1.

Round 14: (RS) Flip cowl upside down and turn. DO NOT TURN INSIDE OUT. With CC, pull up a loop. *Sc into next st. Repeat from * to last st, join into 1st sc at end of round. You may finish off and weave ends in here, or if you are adding the trim, keep CC and ch 1, then crab stitch in each stitch across, join with sl st into ch-1, fasten off and weave in ends.

Special Thanks To My Pattern Testers! They gave great input and suggestions, improving this first pattern of mine so much for outside users! Couldn’t have done it without them: